KUALA LUMPUR: There is no question of belittling the Armed Forces or their role as the government fully acknowledges their service and sacrifices, says Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari (pic).
He said the Defence Ministry’s respect for members of the Armed Forces was undivided and that their sacrifices were fully recognised.
"I want to make it clear that there is no question of looking down on anyone in the Armed Forces.
"Our respect for our defence personnel has never been divided... because we know that in any situation, our defence personnel have sacrificed not only their time but also their lives for our country," he said when winding up the debate on the motion of thanks for the Royal Address in the Dewan Rakyat on Thursday (Feb 5).
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Adly said there was never any intention to demean officers or men in uniform.
"The question of us wanting to belittle them does not arise at all. In closing, I record my appreciation to all honourable members," he added.
Datuk Khlir Mohd Nor (PN-Ketereh) had earlier taken aim at what he called a growing "hand-kissing culture" involving generals and ministers.
Khlir had said it was acceptable for children to kiss their parents’ hands as a sign of respect, but not for senior officers to do the same to the Defence Minister, and urged that the practice be stopped.
